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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesN04.20

N04.20

Billable

Nephrotic syndrome with diffuse membranous glomerulonephritis, unspecified

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/18/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 N04.20 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of nephrotic syndrome with diffuse membranous glomerulonephritis, unspecified.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Nephrotic syndrome is characterized by a triad of symptoms: significant proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, and edema. When associated with diffuse membranous glomerulonephritis, it indicates a specific type of kidney damage where the glomerular capillary walls become thickened due to immune complex deposition. This condition can lead to severe protein loss in urine, often exceeding 3.5 grams per day. Patients may present with symptoms such as swelling in the legs, abdomen, or around the eyes, and may also experience hematuria (blood in urine) and hypertension. Diagnosis typically involves a renal biopsy, which may reveal diffuse thickening of the glomerular membrane. Management of nephrotic syndrome often includes corticosteroids, diuretics for edema, and medications to control blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Regular monitoring of renal function and proteinuria is essential to assess treatment efficacy and disease progression.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiation between types of glomerulonephritis
  • Need for renal biopsy results for accurate diagnosis
  • Variability in clinical presentation and symptoms
  • Potential for overlapping conditions (e.g., diabetic nephropathy)

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of biopsy results
  • Failure to document associated symptoms like hematuria
  • Misclassification of nephrotic syndrome types
  • Lack of follow-up documentation on treatment response

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Nephrology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed renal function tests, biopsy results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with edema, proteinuria, and renal impairment.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of the type of nephrotic syndrome and any comorbid conditions.

Pathology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive biopsy reports detailing glomerular changes.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Biopsy evaluations for suspected glomerulonephritis.

Billing Considerations

Accurate reporting of histological findings is crucial for coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use N04.20 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the diagnosis, treatment, and any associated conditions
  • Include specific details from renal biopsy findings and clinical symptoms

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use N04.20 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

88184CPT Code

Renal biopsy, percutaneous, needle

Clinical Scenario

Used when a renal biopsy is performed to confirm diagnosis.

Documentation Requirements

Biopsy report and indication for the procedure.

Specialty Considerations

Ensure nephrology documentation supports the need for biopsy.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of nephrotic syndrome, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. N04.20 provides a clear classification for nephrotic syndrome associated with diffuse membranous glomerulonephritis.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of nephrotic syndrome, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. N04.20 provides a clear classification for nephrotic syndrome associated with diffuse membranous glomerulonephritis.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. N04.20 provides a clear classification for nephrotic syndrome associated with diffuse membranous glomerulonephritis.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American Academy of Nephrology

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American Academy of Nephrology

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of renal biopsy in nephrotic syndrome?

Renal biopsy is crucial for diagnosing the specific type of glomerulonephritis, guiding treatment decisions, and assessing prognosis.